Lynn Pothakos
Fort McMurray,AB
Summary
I have been in public service customer care since 1977. I am dependable, honest, punctual, interested, a good listener, well read, well spoken, respectful, and work well alone or in teams. I've come to understand over many years there is always a way around through under or over a problem. My degrees in Sociology and Philosophy have held me in good stead during difficult times professionally and personally as has my Diploma in Social Work. I would be an assist to any company that hires me I also have a home based business in counselling.
Overview
40
40
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Customer Service Cashier
6s Spirits & Suds
09.2021 - 04.2024
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace, promoting a welcoming environment for customers.
- Handled high-pressure situations calmly, maintaining composure during busy periods or difficult interactions.
- Actively listened to customers, handled concerns quickly and escalated major issues to supervisor.
- Processed customer orders and accurately handled payment transactions.
- Resolved customer complaints with professionalism and empathy, resulting in increased customer loyalty.
- Met customer service goals and exceeded customer expectations.
- Resolved customer complaints and maintained clean and tidy checkout area.
- Enabled customers to feel welcomed, important, and appreciated by answering questions about products sold throughout store.
- Counted money in drawers at beginning and end of each shift.
- Promoted a positive shopping experience by greeting customers warmly upon entry and providing assistance as needed.
- Developed and managed relationships with customers to increase customer loyalty.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by efficiently handling transactions and addressing inquiries.
- Answered product questions using knowledge of sales and store promotions.
- Maintained customer satisfaction with quick and professional handling of product returns.
- Balanced cash registers accurately at the end of each shift, minimizing discrepancies and errors.
- Utilized POS system to handle customer cash and credit card transactions.
- Managed cash register operations accurately, reducing the risk of shortages or overages in daily reconciliations.
- Handled sensitive information securely while processing payments through various methods including cash, credit cards, and gift cards.
- Streamlined the checkout process for faster service and improved customer experience.
- Arranged and replenished service desk displays and merchandise racks to maintain appearance of store.
- Maintained accurate records of customer transactions for reporting purposes.
- Utilized strong product knowledge to upsell items when appropriate, boosting overall sales revenue.
- Conducted inventory counts regularly, ensuring accurate stock levels were maintained at all times.
- Maintained awareness of surroundings and secured cash to minimize loss potential.
- Participated actively in team meetings to discuss strategies for improving overall performance within the department.
- Adhered strictly to company guidelines regarding loss prevention measures while performing cashier duties.
- Utilized various software applications to process customer orders.
- Referred to price sheets and special sale bulletins to enter price changes.
- Performed cash, card and check transactions to complete customer purchases.
- Operated cash register to record transactions accurately and efficiently.
- Handled cash with high accuracy and took care to check bills for fraud.
- Learned duties for various positions and provided backup at key times.
- Used POS system to enter orders, process payments and issue receipts.
- Responded promptly to requests for assistance, spills and customer inquiries.
- Maintained current knowledge of store promotions and highlighted sales to customers.
- Reconciled cash drawer at start and end of each shift, accounting for errors, and resolving discrepancies.
- Encouraged customers to make additional purchases by highlighting current deals and keeping lane well-stocked.
- Set up new sales displays each week with fresh merchandise.
- Demonstrated product features, answered questions and redirected objections to highlight positive aspects.
- Lifted up to [Number] pounds at once and used forklift to move heavier loads.
Cashier Assistant Manager
Walmart
11.1995 - 08.1999
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing efficient and friendly service at the cashier counter.
- Assisted in inventory management tasks, ensuring optimal stock levels and minimizing product loss due to expiration or damage.
- Improved overall store cleanliness and presentation, resulting in a more welcoming atmosphere for customers.
- Built positive relationships with customers to increase repeat business.
- Fostered positive work environment by consistently treating all employees and customers with respect and consideration.
- Quickly and accurately counted drawers at start and end of each shift.
- Monitored sales transactions for accuracy, upholding company policies regarding discounts, returns, and exchanges.
- Assisted customers with special requests or needs, demonstrating empathy and genuine concern for their experience.
- Offered hands-on assistance to customers, assessing needs, and maintaining current knowledge of consumer preferences.
- Reduced wait times by implementing effective queue management strategies during peak hours.
- Coached employees and trained on methods for handling various aspects of sales, complicated issues, and difficult customers.
- Monitored areas for security issues and safety hazards.
- Mentored new cashiers, leading to higher retention rates and increased team performance.
- Contributed to a positive work environment through strong teamwork and proactive communication with colleagues.
- Provided exceptional customer service by addressing inquiries and resolving complaints promptly, fostering loyalty among patrons.
- Responded quickly to safety hazards or potential security breaches, protecting both employees and customers from harm.
- Supported store manager in achieving target metrics by actively promoting upsell opportunities at checkout counters.
- Implemented loss prevention measures to reduce instances of theft and shrinkage within the store.
- Resolved customer complaints quickly to maintain customer satisfaction.
- Trained cashiers on organizational policies, cash handling and customer service to maintain highly skilled team.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
- Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
- Scheduled employees for shifts, taking into account customer traffic and employee strengths.
Salesperson
Fairweather Clothing
06.1984 - 08.1989
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Philosophy
Lakehead University
Thunder Bay, ON04.1995
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
Lakehead University
Thunder Bay, ON04.1994
Diploma - Social Service Worker
Confederation College of Applied Arts And Technology
Thunder Bay, ON05.1991
Skills
- Customer Service
- Customer Satisfaction
- Reliability and punctuality
- Patience and composure
Accomplishments
At college received Deans List 3.75 GPA. Was first paid Victim Witness Advocate At Thunder Bay Police Department Attended court every day with victims of crime and counselling them. Did weekly stats to account for time in court and in office. Received certificate of appreciation . First year of university credited upon entry During 4 years at University received 2 Baccalaureate degrees. While employed at Walmart received cashier of the month 9 months in a row the promoted to Customer Service Manager. Worked on the hiring committee worked in UPC office with sensitive information Many customer choice awards. I spent 20 years doing local fund raising volunteer work for Habitat for Humanity, Community Living and Magnus Theatre in Thunder Bay Ontario.
Languages
English
Professional Working
Certification
To work at the liquor store I completed Pro Serve with 95%. It's still active for 2 1/2 years.
Timeline
Customer Service Cashier
6s Spirits & Suds
09.2021 - 04.2024
Cashier Assistant Manager
Walmart
11.1995 - 08.1999
Salesperson
Fairweather Clothing
06.1984 - 08.1989
Bachelor of Arts - Philosophy
Lakehead University
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
Lakehead University
Diploma - Social Service Worker
Confederation College of Applied Arts And Technology
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